Heloise: Try using dishwashing detergent on eyeglasses

Do you have a more cost-effective solution? We are on a fixed income, with no raise for cost of living this year. We keep stretching, but the elastic is wearing thin. Ha! — C. and J. in Abilene, Texas

Good news! Here is an easy and cheap fix for you. A gentle dishwashing detergent squirted on each lens is all it takes.

Rub in with your fingers, and rinse thoroughly. Dry with a soft cloth. You also can use a liquid hand sanitizer. The glasses will be bright and shiny.

A clever way to store your glasses? Take a potholder, fold it in half and stitch up the bottom and one side. Potholders come in a lot of colorful patterns and will protect the glasses. — Heloise

BREAKFAST PICNIC

Dear Heloise: Recently, I had a breakfast picnic for a group of ladies when it was very windy.

Rather than fight with a plastic tablecloth, I took a roll of self-sticking shelf paper, cut it into individual place mats, peeled the corners and stuck them to the table. They can be discarded after use without damage to the tables and with less hassle. — Houstine, via e-mail

VINYL ZIPPERED BAGS

Dear Heloise: I had some vinyl bags with zippers left over from linens I’d purchased. I am putting my nice purses in there to protect them from dust and for easy viewing. I keep mine on the top shelf of my closet, and it works really well. — Gloria A. Sadian, via e-mail